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Vampires Are Our Friends
Immortal Gifts follows a centuries-old Jewish vampire on the run from an antisemite trying to make him permanently dead, who falls in love with a mortal woman in the twenty-first century. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The original concept was a one-time challenge with my writing group: “The vampire has a wife. Set the story in the last five years.” Several people submitted wildly different stories. Mine turned into Immortal Gifts.
I’m a Pantser, and it’s a normal part of my process to reread what I’ve written and extract subtext. Early on, I started to feel that the character was Jewish. That was interesting, so I went with it.
A lot of Abraham’s early biographical details (date and place of birth and desire to study at an academy that does not allow Jews) came from the life of Jewish composer Louis Lewandowski. Obviously, Abraham is not Lewandowski! But Lewandowski ended up being the first Jewish student at the Berlin Academy. Lewandowski was admitted as a favor to his friend, Felix Mendelssohn. Abraham, not having a Mendelssohn, lied.
Abraham is not the typical vampire often found in paranormal books; he offers readers a human perspective on supernatural beings and explores how immortality affects who they are. What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I was primarily interested in the concept of immortality in choosing vampires. It’s true that my vampires have the no-food and sunlight issues, but that was primarily so the reader wouldn’t immediately say “Immortality? Sign me up!” 🙂
Aside from that, I wanted my vampires to be very grounded in reality. Vampires are always people—that’s one of the things that makes them fun to me—but I wanted them to be very much the person they always were. If someone is a good person, eternal life in itself won’t change that. If someone is a bad person, immortality won’t change that, either. In other words: it’s your choices and actions, not the length of your life, that determines your moral alignment.
Early on the question of consent started coming up. Turning someone without asking permission first is, at the very least, a faux pas. When is it justified? Is it okay to turn someone without their consent to save their life if they haven’t offered an opinion? When is it okay to make someone’s medical decisions for them? Because that’s what it is in my book: a miracle cure for almost any ailment that also has significant drawbacks.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Mortality. Grief. Consent. Resilience in the face of oppression.
At one point I was describing the book to my sister and told her, “Don’t be afraid of the vampires. Vampires are our friends. You know what’s not our friends? The natural processes by which our loved ones get sick and die. Those are horrifying.” (Our parents are both dead, by the way.)
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I’m working on the second book, and we’re still talking about mortality (and gifts). We did leave off with a couple of characters in uncertain situations and had a reveal about a third.
A lot of Immortal Gifts was written during the pandemic and has a lot of pandemic-feeling isolation. The second book is shaping up to be more… sociable.
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Prussia, 1841. Abraham only ever wanted to play violin. Hiding his Jewish status so he can study at the prestigious Berlin Academy of Music, the eager young man is delighted to find a patron who believes in him. But he’s mortified when his new friend turns him into a vampire… and Abraham earns the fury of an ancient antisemite who vows to see him permanently dead.
Fleeing the hate-mongering fiend across the decades, the sensitive violinist at last settles in twenty-first-century New Jersey with a mortal woman. But when he discovers his relentless tormentor has tracked him down yet again, Abraham despairs he’ll never find true happiness.
With everyone he’s ever loved at risk, can he escape the rage of a ruthless bigot?
In a complex tale woven through history, Katherine Villyard delivers a fresh and insightful twist on the vampire novel. Infusing the narrative with profound themes of love, betrayal, and the nature of monsters, she crafts an unforgettable saga of surviving prejudice that will keep readers turning pages deep into the night.
Immortal Gifts is the thoughtful first book in the Immortal Vampires contemporary fantasy series. If you like well-drawn characters, dual-timeline storytelling, and pulse-pounding suspense, then you’ll adore Katherine Villyard’s compelling read.
Buy Immortal Gifts to tap a vein of devotion today!
Case Files From The Nightfall Detective Agency: Trail of the Zombies
Trail of the Zombies is a supernatural detective story set against the haunting backdrop of 1920s America. The novel follows a trio from the Nightfall Detective Agency as they unravel a sinister conspiracy tied to eugenics, Indian boarding schools, and a nefarious project called the Utopia Institute. Zombies, mind control, and historical evils merge into a narrative that is both pulpy and painfully relevant. At its core, the book is a thriller with a conscience, blending paranormal intrigue with real-world atrocities.
The writing in Trail of the Zombies is striking in its directness and conviction. Gordon confronts the grim realities of the era head-on, refusing to soften or obscure their brutality. Chapter five, in particular, stands out as we are introduced to the eugenicist architects behind the Utopia Institute. Their dialogue, steeped in cold-blooded ideology and unapologetic prejudice, is profoundly disturbing and all the more powerful because of it. Gordon draws unsettling parallels between fictional characters and historical figures such as Harry Laughlin and Madison Grant, blurring the line between fiction and fact. The result is a narrative that reads like speculative history, yet feels alarmingly authentic.
The novel’s use of zombies is particularly compelling in its departure from conventional tropes. Initially, I approached this element with some hesitation, given how frequently the genre relies on familiar, often superficial portrayals. However, Gordon subverts expectations by grounding his depiction of zombies in Haitian Vodou tradition, reframing them not as mindless predators but as victims, individuals chemically manipulated and robbed of their will. This interpretation transforms the horror into something far more poignant. The attack on Professor Wallace in chapter one, for instance, is not simply a moment of terror; it is a sobering reflection of exploitation and control. The fear evoked is not of the undead themselves, but of the systems and individuals who create and command them.
What I also loved was the supernatural detective team at the heart of the story. Tori is a vampire with attitude and compassion. Frank is a golem with a heart. Mueller brings a touch of old-world wisdom. Their banter adds humor, but more importantly, their compassion balances the grim subject matter. When Tori rescues Malia from the Institute’s goons at the synagogue, it’s a fist-pumping moment of justice. The way Gordon blends mythology with gritty noir detective work just works.
Trail of the Zombies is an unexpected yet impactful work, gritty genre fiction used as a vehicle for urgent historical and moral inquiry. Beneath its pulp-inspired exterior lies a pointed critique of systemic injustice, particularly in relation to eugenics, racism, and the abuse inflicted on marginalized communities. Readers with an interest in social history, speculative fiction, or political horror will find its themes both provocative and emotionally resonant. Some passages, particularly those involving the mistreatment of children, are difficult to endure, but they serve a necessary purpose. This is a forceful and unflinching novel one that challenges as much as it entertains.
Pages: 158 | ASIN :B0DFM8W9FJ
Noir Mysteries
Case Files From the Nightfall Detective Agency: The Mummy’s Vengeance follows a vampire and werewolf detective who discover a gruesome murder, leading them on a race against time to solve the case before a curse causes a global catastrophe. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, I was partially brought up by my Dad on Universal and Hammer Horror movies along with good noir mysteries like 1932’s and 1959’s Mummy, The Wolfman, Murder on the Orient Express, American Werewolf in London, and Laura. I wanted to create a story in that tradition. I was also influenced by modern television shows like Forever Knight and Supernatural.
Your book introduces readers to some unique and interesting characters. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I think Tori is the one I had the most enjoyable time writing because she originally came from the time travel stories of the Jigsaw Universe and she has a strong dynamic persona coupled with the arc of coming to grips with her vampirism. Frank the Golem was probably the most challenging in this tale but you will see him develop more in the next installment of the series.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
That you can apply the human condition through the parables of these tales. That makes them educational as well as entertaining.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book two: Trail of the Zombies came out last October and has generated some praise. The link is below. It takes our characters to the Tucson-Marana area a year after the events of the first book and it deals with our detectives having to solve a murder mystery before an evil organization can create an army of Zombie Slaves from the Native American students they are persecuting. This book, especially the first chapters, is very dark.
The third book of the series, Fury of the Vampire will be out this October.
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But the discovery of a gruesome murder plunges them into a race against time. At the heart of the chaos is the Eye of Aten, an ancient relic of unimaginable power capable of unleashing a deadly curse. With the help of an unusual team—including a golem with a surprising soul—Tori and Mueller must stop a fanatical cult from triggering a global catastrophe.
As alliances crumble and supernatural forces clash, Tori and Mueller face their most dangerous enemy yet. Can they contain the curse, or will the world fall to the Mummy’s Vengeance?
Savage Warrior
Savage Warrior by Denna Holm delivers an intense and captivating paranormal romance where the bonds of fate and the complexities of leadership collide. At the heart of the story is Raif, a cougar shifter struggling to lead his pack while facing constant resistance from the elders. Pressured by his grandfather to find a mate, Raif’s world is thrown into further turmoil when fate intervenes in the most unexpected way. His fated mate, Haven, arrives under extraordinary circumstances that change everything.
Haven’s situation is dire. Drugged and left for dead in the mountains of Oregon, she wakes up with no memory of how she got there and, to her horror, cannot shift into her wolf form. The last thing she recalls is leaving her homeworld, Laizahli, with her vampire partner to hunt down a rogue vampire on Earth. Now, caught in this new reality, Haven finds herself saved by a cat shifter whose presence stirs conflicting emotions within her—an attraction that ignites her desire to both claim him and sink her fangs into his neck. Though her mission to find her vampire partner and stop the rogue vampire should be her main focus, Haven’s growing connection to Raif and the challenge of proving herself to his clan add another layer of tension to an already complicated situation.
Holm masterfully crafts the character arcs of both Raif and Haven. Raif’s battle to assert his leadership while being torn between tradition and instinct showcases his internal conflict, making him a compelling protagonist. On the other hand, Haven struggles with her identity and feelings of rejection from her mate while under pressure to find her missing partner. This dual conflict of self-discovery and romantic tension keeps readers emotionally engaged. Their interactions simmer with attraction and tension, adding complexity to the push and pull between them.
The balance of romance, action, and emotional depth is a standout feature of Savage Warrior. Holm weaves external threats, like the looming danger of a rogue vampire, with the simmering passion between Raif and Haven. This creates a high-stakes environment that blends supernatural intrigue with raw emotional drama. The supporting characters further enrich the story, offering a glimpse into the complexities of pack dynamics and the challenges of interspecies relationships, making the world-building immersive and multi-layered.
For fans of paranormal romance, Savage Warrior offers a richly developed world filled with shifters, vampires, and djinns. Holmes’ strong lead characters and intricate plot make this an irresistible read for anyone who enjoys being swept away by supernatural conflicts, sizzling romance, and the fight for leadership and love.
Pages: 345 | ASIN : B0DGPPBN86
Paranormal and Supernatural
Twilight’s Veil follows two detectives investigating a series of gruesome killings who wind up descending into the darkness, where reality and time become blurred. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story was the premade book cover and the main character, Ellie Graves. I saw a premade book cover I liked, so I decided to make an entire series out of that book cover. This means that the first five book covers for the series have been made. Unlike the Griffin Knight series, I wanted to focus more on the paranormal and supernatural from the get-go. The premade book cover helped me do this because I had to fit it into the story about why a werewolf is on the front cover. Ellie Graves’ name also fits into this because I like wordplay.
Ellie and Phil are both interesting and unique characters. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed creating all the characters and developing them was a pleasure. I didn’t find one more challenging to write than others.
You flawlessly blend mystery and dark fantasy in this book. It takes exceptional talent to do this. How did you go about blending the two genres without disrupting the story?
Reading other books helps a lot with creating a story. I found bits and pieces in the story that I could add here and there, so I just did it.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is the first book in the Ellie Graves series. The next book, Tangled Fates, has been written. It will continue where Ellie left off.
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What if there is more to the world than meets the eye?
In the dark alleys of London, Detective Ellie Graves is on a mission to bring justice to the city. Her relentless pursuit of truth leads her into a string of gruesome killings that have left the streets trembling in fear. With her partner, Phil Woods, by her side, Ellie must navigate through a dangerous game of cat and mouse as they race against the clock to stop the chaos unraveling before them.
As the body count rises, Ellie and Phil uncover a sinister web of ancient evil lurking beneath the surface. With every clue leading them deeper into darkness, the detectives must confront the malevolent forces at play before it’s too late. But as time slips away and reality becomes blurred, Ellie and Phil must make tough choices that blur the line between hunter and hunted. Amidst the chaos, one question remains: will Ellie and Phil emerge victorious or will they become victims of the very darkness they seek to defeat?
This gripping tale of crime and ancient evil will captivate fans of suspenseful thrillers such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Don’t miss out—grab your copy now before the price changes!
A Touch of Romance
Eternal Bloodlines follows a young woman living in a small, quiet town who longs for some excitement only to discover a gruesome murder leading her into a dark mystery she cannot escape from. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As strange as it may sound, my teen fantasies and imagination were my inspiration for this story. I grew up in Skidway Lake. Yes, it is a real small town. I always told myself I would get out of that town—a place where everyone knew your name, your parents, who you hung out with, and how much trouble you got into. I played on my thoughts from back then to create my main protagonist, Amanda.
When it comes to the vampire theme, I have always been intrigued by vampires—their immortality, death, cold skin, and absence of a heartbeat. I have done research throughout the years on the real vampire, Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler). To add a bit of realism to the story, I had to include him as a character. I had to offer a different perspective of his character.
One other thing I believe the readers should know…I don’t believe they are as romantic as I portray them in this story. My true vision of them is as ghastly entities that would rip you apart without feeling or remorse. I see them as hunters, wilder than animals, looking for their next kill. This version of the immortal vampire is more exciting than the romanticized version, but who doesn’t love a touch of romance in a paranormal story?
Your characters are all incredibly well-developed, drawing the readers into the story and building their connection to it. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Although she is not a main character, I loved creating Jessica. She’s a bundle of fun and energy with an “I don’t give a damn” attitude. She is charismatic and a joy to have around. Writing about her was a delight.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
It’s true that it’s easy to get caught up in the magic and go overboard. However, I focus more on the characters than their powers—how they love, hurt, feel pain, and their triumphs. I want to make each character real—relatable.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I have thought about a second book, though I have not made a decision. As for the cover, we’ll see what the story holds.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
2021 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards: Bronze – Young Adult
2018 Book Excellence Award Winner – Mystery
2018 IAN Book of the Year Awards Finalist – Fiction: Paranormal/Supernatural
2016 New Apple Summer E-Book Awards Winner – Fantasy
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR…
Twenty-four-year-old Amanda Holston dreams of getting a little excitement in her life.
In the sleepy town of Skidway Lake, that may be asking too much.
Until one snowy morning, a string of murders shatters the peace, and a near-fatal accident leaves her scarred – but with more than just wounds. Voices echo in her head, and she sees a dark man in her dreams. She blames the delusions on the accident… but the dark man is all too real.
Haunted by visions and whispers hinting at a destiny she never imagined, Amanda is suddenly thrust into a realm of legend. In this new reality, vampires rule the shadows, myths walk the earth, and a revelation comes to light…
Ancient vampire blood courses through Amanda’s veins.
As she tries to make sense of the implications of her lineage, and her growing attraction to Mihnea, the son of Vlad Tepes himself… Castle Dracul looms in the horizon. Is it a gothic prison or a birthright to be claimed?
Amanda is plunged unprepared into the dangerous intrigues and conflicts of the vampire world. She must learn the secrets of her ancestry if she wants to survive. The brutal murders that plagued her hometown echo ominously in this new realm, serving as a chilling reminder of the darkness that surrounds her.
Can Amanda control the power awakening within her?
Can she forge her own path, or will the shadows of her past and a legacy she never chose consume her?
Eternal Bloodlines
In Eternal Bloodlines by J.C. Brennan, young Amanda Holston yearns for excitement in her quiet town of Skidway Lake. Her mundane life takes a chilling turn when she discovers the mutilated body of a young woman in the woods, triggering a series of gruesome discoveries by the police. As Amanda delves deeper into the mystery, a near-fatal accident causes her to question her sanity as she begins hearing voices and seeing a mysterious dark figure in her dreams. Despite initially attributing her hallucinations to the accident, Amanda soon realizes that the dark figure is frighteningly real.
This book offers a gripping narrative that immerses readers in a quaint yet sinister atmosphere. Amanda Holston is a masterfully written character, embodying an empathizable yearning for adventure amid the monotony of her small-town life. The rapid escalation of her desire for excitement into a chilling ordeal sets the tone for an enticing read, skillfully creating anticipation and suspense page after page. Brennan constructs a tale that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. The discovery of the body at the beginning of the novel sets the stage for a riveting investigation by local law enforcement, drawing readers into a web of secrets and deception that permeates the town’s seemingly tranquil facade. One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ability to maintain a sense of suspense and unease throughout. The gradual unraveling of the mystery surrounding the dark figure haunting Amanda’s dreams adds an extra layer of tension to the plot, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.
The author’s attention to detail breathes life into the setting, effectively setting the stage for the ensuing twists and turns. Eternal Bloodlines is a captivating tale that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of supernatural thrillers and mystery aficionados alike. With its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and pulse-pounding plot, it delivers an unforgettable reading experience.
Pages: 334 | ASIN : B09JRR4KZY
LITERARY TITAN 